Students play the Beatles

Our international students joined the ranks of musicians performing the music of The Beatles in a fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Nine students, from Indonesia, Nepal, India, Bhutan and the Tibetan communities in exile performed three songs on stage at the White Rock Theatre, Hastings, on Sunday April 8.

Indonesian student and lead guitarist Mario Manalu (below) said: "Our band is called Pestalozzi Pirates. We started practicing seven months ago. At that point some of us had never even played a guitar at that time, while some knew a few chords.

"We’ve practiced every week since then, and with the help of some great tutors and mentors, Stewart and Louisa Patient,we’ve encouraged each other to keep on improving."

"We learned how to play Nowhere Man, Obladi-Oblada, Till There was You, and Hey Jude."

"When we finished our performance, the audience gave us standing applause. It was truly an amazing experience.”

Stewart Patient said "These young people are inspirational. They work so hard and take nothing for granted. Louisa and I really look forward to our sessions with them each week and this year’s performance was magical.”

Pestalozzi provides high quality educational opportunities for 16-19 year-olds from some of the world’s poorest communities, helping them to make a positive difference in the world.

Mrs Susan Walton, Chief Executive Officer, said: "All of our students take part in a wide range of events in the local community and they are proud to be contributing to an event which raises funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.”